THE HAGUE, 14/09/00 - Prime Minister Wim Kok has confirmed it once again in writing. As far as he is concerned, the constitutional position of the head of state will remain unchanged, although he has no objection to a discussion.

At the request of the center-left (D66), Labour (PvdA), the left-wing Greens (GroenLinks), and the socialists (SP), Kok has once again recorded his position, which he had already made clear in April. The document is included as an appendix to the General Affairs Ministry budget, which will be made public on Princes Day.

D66 parliamentary leader Thom de Graaf requested the document in April. The party wants the political power of the head of state to be reduced. The Queen should have no say in the government and the Council of State, and should not be involved in Cabinet formations. D66 supports an open discussion on the monarchy in order to make sure that it survives modern times, as De Graaf put it at the time.